Thomas Tuchel expressed his ambition to guide England toward success at the 2026 World Cup, stating that the team can “liberate ourselves from our past” and pursue their dreams. Following his appointment as head coach, Tuchel emphasized his commitment to the national team despite some critics questioning his German nationality.
The 51-year-old manager, who will officially take over on January 1 after signing an 18-month contract, acknowledged the challenge ahead as he becomes only the third non-British permanent coach of the England men’s team. In response to concerns over his nationality, Tuchel remarked, “I’m sorry I have a German passport.”
His primary objective is to help England break a 60-year drought for a major trophy at the upcoming World Cup. “In sports, nothing is impossible,” he told BBC sports editor Dan Roan. “The federation has shown success; the women’s team and the under-21s have both achieved it, so there’s no reason we can’t.”
Tuchel admitted that transitioning from club to international management was a tough decision, but he is eager to work with what he described as a “very special and exciting group of players.” In June, he had distanced himself from the Manchester United job, having met with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, but he ultimately chose England due to the clear and direct approach from the Football Association.
He succeeds Gareth Southgate, who stepped down after an eight-year tenure following England’s defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final. Tuchel’s interest in the role was piqued when he received a call in August, and after two subsequent meetings, he felt ready to accept the responsibility.
“This is a significant role, and I am honored to take it on,” Tuchel commented during a press conference at Wembley. “I am very emotional about this opportunity; my passion for football runs deep. This position has rekindled my youthful enthusiasm, and I am excited about the challenge ahead.”
As he prepares to lead the team in January, Tuchel aims to harness the potential of both young and experienced players competing in top leagues globally. “We possess a remarkable talent pool,” he stated confidently. “Our goal is to develop a distinctive style of play and foster an environment that drives us to achieve our best. With a bit of luck and solid qualification, we believe success is within reach.”
Tuchel Remains Undecided on Singing the National Anthem
Interim coach Lee Carsley will continue to lead the England team for next month’s Nations League matches before resuming his role with the England Under-21s. Carsley shares a similar background with Gareth Southgate, having progressed through the Football Association’s coaching development pathway.
Meanwhile, Thomas Tuchel, the former Chelsea manager hailed by FA chief executive Mark Bullingham as “one of the best coaches in the world,” has been tasked with the responsibility of guiding England to its first major men’s tournament victory since 1966.
Tuchel is stepping into the shoes of Sven-Goran Eriksson (2001-2006) and Fabio Capello (2008-2012) as the only non-British permanent managers of the England men’s team. Addressing those who believe the national team should be led by an Englishman, Tuchel, alongside his assistant Anthony Barry from Liverpool, expressed his enthusiasm for the English Premier League and his fondness for living and working in England.
“I hope to demonstrate my commitment and passion for this country,” Tuchel stated. “My goal is to earn the trust of supporters and prove that I am dedicated to being an English manager, showing respect for this role and the nation.”
He aims to add a “second star” to the England shirt by steering the team to a successful campaign in the 2026 World Cup. “We have set an 18-month timeline for this project, and I hope this is the final step for all of us,” he remarked during an interview with BBC football correspondent John Murray.
Following Carsley’s choice not to sing the British national anthem, Tuchel noted that he has yet to make a decision about his own participation in this tradition. “I understand that it’s a personal choice; some managers sing, while others do not,” Tuchel commented. “Regardless of what I decide, I will always show respect for the country and the powerful sentiment behind the anthem.”
Bullingham Reveals Interview Process for England Manager Role
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham confirmed that English candidates were part of the interview process for the England manager position. Unlike Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello, who stepped into the role without experience in English football, Thomas Tuchel brings valuable expertise from his time in the Premier League.
During his successful 20-month tenure at Chelsea, Tuchel led the team to triumph in the Champions League, Club World Cup, and UEFA Super Cup before being dismissed in September 2022. This marks Tuchel’s first foray into international management, where he boasts a win percentage of 57% across all competitions, including a 56% success rate in the Premier League with Chelsea.
Tuchel’s impressive resume also includes leading Paris Saint-Germain to a domestic treble in the 2019-20 season, culminating in a Champions League final appearance during the pandemic-affected year, as well as guiding Bayern Munich to the Bundesliga title in the 2022-23 season.
Initially uncertain about transitioning to international management, Tuchel expressed excitement about the new challenge. “Coming from a club background, this is very new territory for me,” he said. “However, once I outlined a timeline from January [2025] to the World Cup, I felt a surge of enthusiasm. It aligns perfectly with my passion to drive this group of players and to be part of a federation with such a commendable track record in recent tournaments, pushing us over the line and aiming for that second star on the shirt.”
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Tuchel emphasized that his initial 18-month contract would help him maintain focus on the crucial period leading up to the World Cup. Known for his tactical acumen, he gained recognition for defeating Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola in the 2021 Champions League final, with Guardiola reportedly among those considered for the England role.
Regarding the selection process, Bullingham revealed that the FA interviewed around ten candidates, which included some English managers. “The entire process was confidential,” Bullingham stated. “While I understand this may be frustrating for some, it was essential to protect both the candidates and the integrity of our decision-making.”
Bullingham expressed confidence in Tuchel, stating, “We are thrilled to have Thomas on board and believe he provides us with the best opportunity to secure victory at the World Cup, making him the ideal candidate for this position.”
